Sunday, June 2, 2024

One of the most bonding activities we do as human beings is come together to share a meal.  During the 7 years I was in Rome on the international leadership team of the Salvatorian Fathers and Brothers, I spent time in many countries, on every continent, eating meals with community members or their friends.  I can honestly say eating together is special in every single culture that I have experienced.  And what birthday, wedding, funeral, or other special event does not involve eating together!
 
That eating together is a sign of being accepted is very clear in the New Testament.  In Acts of the Apostles, Lydia, the seller of fine cloth, invites Paul and others to come to her house “if you consider me a believer.”  That they would come to her house and eat would prove they accepted her.  When Jesus said to Zaccheus, the tax collector, that He wanted to eat at his house, the religious authorities went crazy: Jesus was identifying with and accepting a tax collector!
 
My friends, this weekend we are celebrating the feast of the Body and Blood of Christ.  Think of what we are celebrating: first, Jesus invites us to eat together, as a community, with Him.  That means we are accepted, loved, and cherished.  Second, He provides the food, His own Body and Blood, to give us the strength and nourishment we need in life.  He helps us to form a community that is truly the Body of Christ.
 
Receiving the Eucharist can become a routine, something we do without much reflection.  I invite us this week to reflect on and marvel at the wonderful gift that has been given us in the Eucharist.  We are truly loved, accepted, and supported by our Lord.  What more could we ask for?  God bless.

Church sign of the week: Jesus, you bring out the blest in me.